Sicily offers a treasure trove of shore excursions that make your cruise stop truly memorable. Whether you’re thrilled by volcano views, eager to stroll historic towns, or love a fun ride through bustling city streets, Sicily’s diverse landscape and rich culture deliver. I personally enjoy how many tours blend iconic sights with authentic local flavor. For example, the Private Shore Excursion from Messina Port to The Godfather Country takes you to the very villages where the famous film trilogy was shot, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Sicilian life, all wrapped in cinematic history. You can explore Taormina, the picturesque hilltop town, with its ancient Greek theater, or soar through Messina on a lively Segway tour—both of which are especially good for those wanting an active, engaging experience. You can find more about these fun tours here: Messina Shore Excursion: City Segway Tour and Private Shore Excursion from Messina Port: The Godfather Country.
This list covers a variety of Sicilian shore excursions including private multi-stop trips, city explorations on two wheels, and comprehensive full-day adventures. Each experience offers something unique: from scenic drives to immersive city tours, ideal for different interests and fitness levels. Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these top-rated excursions.
1. Private Shore Excursion from Messina Port: The Godfather Country
This 8-hour private tour invites you to step into the cinematic world of The Godfather by visiting the villages where Francis Ford Coppola filmed his legendary trilogy. Perfect for film lovers and history buffs alike, this trip goes beyond the movies to reveal authentic Sicilian life. The tour kicks off in Taormina, a once-celebrated stop on European aristocrats’ Grand Tour, praised by Goethe himself. Here, you’ll enjoy a brief visit (admission free) to soak in the atmosphere of this charming town. Then, the journey continues to the main event: Savoca, the village where iconic scenes of the Godfather were shot. Walking through its narrow streets gives you a real sense of old-world Sicilian charm.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on cinematic history combined with scenic countryside views. The view from above Naxos Bay, with Etna looming in the background, is especially breathtaking. The tour is tailored for those who want an in-depth, private experience, with flexible timing and personal attention. Priced at around $496 per person, it’s an investment in a full day of cinematic and scenic discovery. Many reviews rave about the knowledgeable guide and the authentic feel of the villages. If you’re a fan of the movies or simply want a memorable day exploring Sicily’s countryside and villages, this private tour is a top choice.
Bottom Line: An excellent, personalized way to explore Sicily’s film-famous villages with stunning views and cultural depth.
2. Messina Shore Excursion: City Segway Tour
For a fun and quick way to see Messina’s highlights, this 3-hour Segway tour is hard to beat. It’s perfect if you want to maximize your sightseeing with minimal hassle, especially if time is tight. The tour starts with a 30-minute training session (admission free), so you’ll be comfortable on your self-balancing scooter before hitting the streets. Once rolling, you’ll glide past Piazza Duomo, where the local cathedral and historic square dominate the scene, and marvel at the Arab-Norman architecture of the Church of Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of easy mobility and local storytelling. Your guide shares lively tales about Don Juan of Austria’s role in Sicilian history and the 1908 earthquake that reshaped the city. Stops include Palazzo dell’Università, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III, and panoramic viewpoints that showcase Messina’s resilience and charm. Reviewers consistently mention how intuitive Segways are after a short lesson and how fun it is to cover more ground than walking allows.
At $126.76 per person, it offers great value for a city introduction. The small group and expert guide make it ideal for first-time visitors or anyone seeking an active, engaging way to learn about Messina. Several reviews highlight the fun factor and the wealth of local knowledge shared during the ride.
Bottom Line: An energetic, informative tour that turns sightseeing into a playful adventure, perfect for a quick but comprehensive exploration.
3. Exclusive Shore Excursion from Messina port to Taormina and Mount Etna
This full-day private tour is designed for travelers who want to see two of Sicily’s most iconic sights—Mount Etna and Taormina—without the hassle of public transportation. Starting with a private driver, you’ll head straight up Mount Etna’s slopes to explore the Silvestri Craters at about 1,800 meters (roughly 6,000 feet). The UNESCO-listed volcano is still active, and this tour offers a chance to witness its power firsthand. The views from the crater area are stunning, especially on clear days when you can see to the coastline.
After Etna, the tour continues to Taormina, where you’ll have around two hours to wander the city’s cobblestone streets, admire the ancient Greek theater, and shop in boutiques. The flexibility of a private tour means you can customize your time in Taormina—whether you want to linger by the panoramic vistas or grab a Sicilian coffee.
Priced at $442.25 per person, this experience is great for travelers who value convenience and a tailored itinerary. The reviews are glowing, emphasizing how efficient and flexible this private option is. It’s especially suitable for those who want a comprehensive view of eastern Sicily’s best sights in one day.
Bottom Line: A smart choice for those wanting to combine volcano exploration and hill town charm with minimal stress.
4. Taormina Shore Excursion: City Segway Tour
For a dynamic way to explore the enchanting town of Taormina, this 3-hour Segway tour is hard to beat. Travelers rave about how easy it is to learn and how much ground you can cover, from the Borgo Medievale district to Villa Comunale park. The tour begins with a 30-minute training session (admission included) to ensure everyone feels confident on the self-balancing scooters. Once rolling, you’ll glide past Baroque architecture, the ancient Greek theater, and several scenic viewpoints.
What makes this tour appealing is its mix of history, panoramic views, and lively local lore. You’ll stop at Piazza del Duomo for photos and get a chance to see the San Domicino Palace Hotel, once an ancient monastery. The guide shares interesting stories, bringing the town’s history alive in a relaxed, fun way.
Most reviews mention how intuitive and entertaining Segway riding is after a brief lesson, with many praising the guide’s knowledge. At $127.34 per person, it’s a fantastic value for those who want a quick, fun, and informative way to see the highlights of Taormina.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for active travelers looking to see Taormina’s top sights with ease and fun.
5. Palermo Shore Excursion: City Segway Tour
In Palermo, this 3-hour Segway tour is a smart choice for those short on time but eager to get a feel for the city’s diverse architecture and lively streets. Starting with a training session (admission included), you’ll traverse Palermo’s major sites, including the Palace of the Normans, Quattro Canti, and the seafront gardens. The guide offers insights into Palermo’s Arab-Norman, Baroque, and Neo-Classical influences, making each stop educational as well as scenic.
The tour is praised for how smoothly the Segways handle the city’s streets, even for first-timers. You will also pause at Piazza della Vittoria to admire the cathedral and enjoy sweeping views of the bay. Many reviewers appreciate the guide’s knowledge and friendly approach, which makes the experience both fun and informative.
Priced at $144.70 per person, it provides good value for a well-organized, engaging tour. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quick overview of Palermo’s highlights without the fatigue of walking.
Bottom Line: A lively, convenient way to absorb Palermo’s diverse sights and stories in a limited amount of time.
How to Choose the Right Sicily Shore Excursion
Choosing the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and time available. For film fans and scenery lovers, the private trip to The Godfather villages (link) offers a personal, cinematic experience. If quick yet active sightseeing appeals, the Messina Segway tour (link) or Taormina Segway tour (link) are perfect for covering major sights in style.
Those wanting a comprehensive day with volcano views and a hill town charm should consider the private tour to Mount Etna and Taormina (link), especially if they prefer a private driver and flexible schedule. Budget-conscious travelers who prefer a guided but shorter experience might prefer Palermo or Messina’s city tours on Segways, which combine fun with local insights.
Book early, particularly for private and small-group tours, to secure your preferred time slot. Consider the size and age of your travel group when choosing between active Segway tours and more relaxed sightseeing.
Final Thoughts
Sicily’s shore excursions offer something for every traveler. For a luxurious, tailored experience with cinematic flair, the Godfather villages tour delivers an unforgettable day. If you’re after active exploration, the Segway city tours in Messina, Taormina, and Palermo make sightseeing energetic and fun. For those wanting a full-day adventure that combines volcano and town visits, the private Mount Etna and Taormina tour is ideal.
No matter your choice, these tours provide a great way to experience Sicily’s rich sights without the hassle of local transport. To get the most out of your trip, consider your interests and schedule, and book early, especially for private options. Sicily’s charm is waiting—don’t miss your chance to explore it fully.
